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If you leave no stone unturned when you travel, then the Deluxe Wilderness Explorer was designed just for you. Over the course of this two-week excursion, your guides will help you discover everything that makes New Zealand’s North and South Islands gems of the South Pacific.

After stepping off the plane in Auckland, your guide will take you from the most densely populated urban area in the country to the more remote Coromandel Peninsula, where gold mines, steep cliffs, and subtropical rain forests await you. If hiking and exploring this somewhat rugged terrain tires you out, rejuvenate by soaking your feet in the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua.

Then, experience the relative hustle and bustle of Christchurch, a historically rich city. Maybe you want to wander along the Avon River or tour the famous Botanical Gardens. When you’ve had your fill of city life, you will trade the big buildings and throngs of people for glaciers, mountains, and the sights of Lake Moeraki.

Queenstown sometimes referred to as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” is your next stop. Here you will have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities, including hiking, jet boating, mountain biking, fishing, or, for those who want to take it easy, shopping. Conclude your explorations at Milford Sound, the highlight of Fiordland National Park. The glaciated valleys, lush rain forests, and jaw-dropping alpine views will resound as deep and lingering notes in the chorus of memories from this powerful journey.

If you leave no stone unturned when you travel, then the Deluxe Wilderness Explorer was designed just for you. Over the course of this two-week excursion, your guides will help you discover everything that makes New Zealand’s North and South Islands gems of the South Pacific.

After stepping off the plane in Auckland, your guide will take you from the most densely populated urban area in the country to the more remote Coromandel Peninsula, where gold mines, steep cliffs, and subtropical rain forests await you. If hiking and exploring this somewhat rugged terrain tires you out, rejuvenate by soaking your feet in the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua.

Then, experience the relative hustle and bustle of Christchurch, a historically rich city. Maybe you want to wander along the Avon River or tour the famous Botanical Gardens. When you’ve had your fill of city life, you will trade the big buildings and throngs of people for glaciers, mountains, and the sights of Lake Moeraki.

Queenstown sometimes referred to as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” is your next stop. Here you will have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities, including hiking, jet boating, mountain biking, fishing, or, for those who want to take it easy, shopping. Conclude your explorations at Milford Sound, the highlight of Fiordland National Park. The glaciated valleys, lush rain forests, and jaw-dropping alpine views will resound as deep and lingering notes in the chorus of memories from this powerful journey.

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Great For

Active Adventure

Spectacular Scenery

Varied Landscapes

Itinerary

ADay 1Auckland / Coromandel Peninsula

Upon arrival at the airport in Auckland, you will be met by your guide, who will then drive you south through picturesque farmland and coastal scenery to the beautiful, historic Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, stop at the old goldmine town of Thames, the gateway to Coromandel, where the streets are lined with wooden houses and pubs dating from the 19th century.

After, climb over steep mountains, clad with dense rainforest, as you head to the Pacific coast of the peninsula with stops for photos along the way. From here, it is a short ride to the quiet coastal town nestled beside a crystal clear harbor and a lovely beach with many islands just off the coast. Upon arrival, get settled into your hotel, which is where you will stay for the next 2 nights.

Meals

Lunch

Lodging

Puka Park Lodge (or similar)

BDay 2Coromandel Peninsula

Begin your exciting day with a walk though the rainforest. Follow forgotten paths to the incredibly scenic Puketui Valley, where you can visit goldmines, see glowworms in the old caves, and even visit an underground jail! Then follow the coast with its stunning views and white sandy beaches to Cooks Beach, named after Captain Cook, where he observed the transit of Mercury in 1769.

Your guides know and have loved this region since childhood, and will share their vast knowledge with you. A delightful picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of your guide’s favorite picnic spots. Tide permitting, you will stroll to the unique “Hotwater Beach,” where you can dip your toes in the hot springs before returning to your hotel.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging

Puka Park Lodge (or similar)

CDay 3Bay of Plenty / Rotorua

Depart Coromandel in an ever-changing panorama of forests, mountains, beaches, and islands, and enter the Bay of Plenty, home to plantations of kiwi fruit, citrus, avocados, flowers, and deer farms. You will see the “mural town” of Katikati, with its open-air art on the area’s history, and visit a private working orchard growing kiwi fruit, avocados, and export flowers. After a delightful lunch, pass the lakes to Rotorua, a city built in the crater of a huge volcano. Your guide will give you an overview of this fascinating region before arriving at your hotel for the night.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging

Local hotel or bed & breakfast

DDay 4Rotorua / Christchurch

Your morning is free to explore Rotorua before flying south to Christchurch, the “Garden City.” After you are transferred to your hotel or bed & breakfast, sit back and enjoy the ambiance of this very “English” city. Founded by English settlers in 1850, Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter in 1856, which makes it the oldest officially established city in New Zealand. It is sometimes said to be “more English than England.”

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Local hotel or bed & breakfast

EDay 5Christchurch

Today is a day to explore on your own. The peace, the open spaces, the lush colors and rich textures of a city, where a leisurely pace still prevails, never fail to capture the imagination.

Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts. Officially known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch has over 3,000 hectares of parklands, which include Hagley Park and the famous Botanical Gardens. Located next to these gardens is the Christchurch Arts Centre, which is the hub of Christchurch art and the headquarters of many arts, craft, and recreation associations and groups.

Christchurch is perfect for exploring on foot because it is attractive, fascinating, and flat! The central city is a particularly dynamic place, offering numerous opportunities to shop, sightsee, and socialize. And it’s surprisingly easy to get about. You can hop aboard one of the beautifully restored vintage trams, hire a bicycle, enjoy a punt on the Avon River, or simply stroll about on foot. The great variety of cafes and bars offer an excellent street-side vantage point from which to enjoy a glass or two of local wine, freshly brewed coffee, or an amazing array of international cuisine. There are also many fine restaurants to experience, perhaps as a prelude to a night’s entertainment at the theatre, cinema, nightclub, or the casino.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Local hotel or bed & breakfast

FDay 6Canterbury Plains / Arthur's Pass

Today, your guide will take you through Christchurch and on to the Port Hills, the flanks of one of the ancient extinct volcanoes that form the Banks Peninsula. From the hills, there are spectacular views of the city, and the Kaikoura Range can be seen far to the north, while the Pacific Ocean sparkles to the east. To the south and west, the vast Canterbury Plains stretch to the horizon, and in the distance, the Southern Alps beckon you to discover them.

Leave the city and start your journey west across the Canterbury Plains. Crossing Porter’s Pass, a dramatic landscape change occurs as you enter the high country, a tussock grass basin bounded by the Torlesse Mountains to the east and the Craigieburn Mountains to the west. Traveling through the Arthur’s Pass region, pass glacial-formed lakes, the limestone formations of Castle Hill that dominate the landscape, and the wide expanse of the Waimakariri River.

Meals

Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge

GDay 7Arthur's Pass

This is a day to discover the real high country, a day where you can explore and learn about the alpine landscape, the plants and the animals, and take in the spectacular Southern Alps. A tour of the high country sheep farm that is part of the lodge will enable you to visit the woolshed, see a sheepdog demonstration, and help with the day-to-day activities. Walking, canoeing and mountain bike riding are available, or perhaps you would rather just relax in the lounge and gaze at the surrounding peaks.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge

HDay 8Arthur's Pass / Hokitika / Fox Glacier

After breakfast, travel through the Arthur’s Pass National Park and depart Canterbury province for Westland (“The West Coast”). Originally used by the Maori to move greenstone from the west coast, and later as a link to the gold rush fields, this route reveals great mountain valleys. The road is a geographer’s dream, making its way down the spectacular Otira Gorge.

Follow rivers that flow to the West Coast and observe the changes to the rainforest, including the many varieties of ferns that contribute to their character. Travel on a backcountry road, walk through old gold miners’ tunnels and be amazed at the tenacity of the miners in their quest for gold.

Visit Hokitika, once the capital of Westland, a roaring gold mining town and also a place where the Maori sought their treasured greenstone (jade). Greenstone is a feature in the town’s bustling center of art and craft shops. As you journey south to visit the Bushman’s Centre, where you can meet some “coasters” in a village with a population of two! Heading farther south, see the West Coast bush and further evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets. Later, arrive at Fox Glacier, a truly amazing natural wonder!

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea

Lodging

Franz Josef or Fox Glacier Lodge

IDay 9Fox Glacier / Lake Moeraki

Today you will explore the glaciated landscape of the Fox Glacier region. Choose between a guided walk to the terminal face of the Fox Glacier, to a glacier viewpoint to witness the glacier’s descent down the mountain into the rainforest, or a hike onto the actual glacier.

Alternatively, hop on a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the Southern Alps, with a snow landing on the upper reaches of the glacier. (Please note that the optional glacial hike and helicopter trips are not included in the tour cost and are subject to the weather).

After lunch, take a beautiful and tranquil walk around the edge of Lake Matheson, where incredible reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman can often be seen on the lake. Or, enjoy a drive through the lush rainforest to a remote beach on the Tasman Sea for views of the Alps. Here, you can also look for the rare Hectors dolphins.

From Fox Glacier, travel south to the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge, an area of pristine rainforest and spectacular coastline, set in the heart of Te Wahi Pounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. This lodge is a Tourism Award Winner and provides a first-class wilderness experience.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge

JDay 10Lake Moeraki

Few places in the world can match the unique natural setting of Lake Moeraki. Today, you’ll explore this nature lover’s paradise, with untouched lowland rainforests spread between pristine lakes and rivers that drain the snow-capped Southern Alps. This special place is home to breeding colonies of the rare Fiordland Crested penguin (seasonal), the Hectors dolphins, and numerous native birds.

Visits can be made to wild and remote beaches, and activities include guided walks to get close to the wildlife, to learn about the forest, and to experience amazing scenery. Or, if you prefer, take a canoe or kayak out on the tranquil lake or just relax in the lodge.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge

KDay 11Ship Creek / Wanaka / Arrowtown

Say goodbye to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge and head out for Wanaka and Arrowtown. Along the way enjoy stops at Ship Creek (where there is a good chance of seeing the rare Hectors dolphin playing beyond the surf), a swamp forest with ancient “dinosaur” trees, a coastal lagoon, and a remote beach where you can search for greenstone.

Continue east, following the Haast Highway, and observe how the landscape again changes dramatically as the road climbs over the Haast Pass from the dense rainforest of the west coast to the drier tussock lands of Otago. On the way, there are short walks to see waterfalls, and if there has been recent rainfall, the Haast River passing through the gorge (known as the Gates of Haast) can be truly spectacular.

Shortly after the Haast Pass, the road skirts along the banks of the headwaters of Lake Wanaka makes a slight turn and rises over a ridge, and voila—Lake Hawea is before you. The road follows the shoreline of this lake until you reach Wanaka, a quiet mountain resort on the shores of Lake Wanaka. From here, head over the rugged and remote Crown Range, the site of gold diggings in the 1860s. Arrive in Arrowtown and visit the old Chinese gold miners’ settlement. It is then a short drive to your Queenstown accommodation.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea

Lodging

Millbrook Country Resort (or similar)

LDay 12Queenstown

Today is a free day to experience some of the many activities that Queenstown has to offer. Your guide will be available to advise and assist with transfers to the venues and activities of your choice. Options include:

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the old steamship Earnslaw, the lady of the lake.

Try an exhilarating jetboat trip through the Shotover Canyon.

Bungee jump at the Kawarau Bridge, the first bungee jumping site in the world.

Visit wineries and arts and crafts studios trail around the district.

Take a ride up the gondola, with spectacular views of the mountains known as the Remarkables.

Climb up Queenstown Hill for wonderful views of the city.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around a remote and beautiful glacial lake.

Or take in some golf, shopping, or even horseback riding.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Millbrook Country Resort (or similar)

MDay 13Milford Sound Excursion

The road to Milford Sound through the Fjordland National Park is absolutely breathtaking with its sheer U-shaped glaciated valleys, waterfalls, and lush, temperate rainforests. The Homer Tunnel, entry to the Cleddau Valley and Milford Sound, is a tribute to the engineers’ skills in the 1930s.

Explore the fjord on a cruise before heading back to Queenstown. Catch a glimpse of the extremely rare Takahe, a flightless bird, at a sanctuary in Te Anau, and take a short walk to see waterfalls, alpine views, and lakes. Optional activities include a return to Queenstown by scenic flight or perhaps a private helicopter charter, which can include a snow landing in the mountains (not included in tour cost).

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea

Lodging

Millbrook Country Resort (or similar)

NDay 14Onward or Extension

After breakfast, you will have time for some last-minute shopping or to experience that final adventure before you bid farewell to New Zealand. Not ready to go home? Consider an extension to see other parts of New Zealand, or a visit to Sydney, Australia.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Itinerary

ADay 1Auckland / Coromandel Peninsula

Upon arrival at the airport in Auckland, you will be met by your guide, who will then drive you south through picturesque farmland and coastal scenery to the beautiful, historic Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, stop at the old goldmine town of Thames, the gateway to Coromandel, where the streets are lined with wooden houses and pubs dating from the 19th century.

After, climb over steep mountains, clad with dense rainforest, as you head to the Pacific coast of the peninsula with stops for photos along the way. From here, it is a short ride to the quiet coastal town nestled beside a crystal clear harbor and a lovely beach with many islands just off the coast. Upon arrival, get settled into your hotel, which is where you will stay for the next 2 nights.

Meals

Lunch

Lodging

Puka Park Lodge (or similar)

BDay 2Coromandel Peninsula

Begin your exciting day with a walk though the rainforest. Follow forgotten paths to the incredibly scenic Puketui Valley, where you can visit goldmines, see glowworms in the old caves, and even visit an underground jail! Then follow the coast with its stunning views and white sandy beaches to Cooks Beach, named after Captain Cook, where he observed the transit of Mercury in 1769.

Your guides know and have loved this region since childhood, and will share their vast knowledge with you. A delightful picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of your guide’s favorite picnic spots. Tide permitting, you will stroll to the unique “Hotwater Beach,” where you can dip your toes in the hot springs before returning to your hotel.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging

Puka Park Lodge (or similar)

CDay 3Bay of Plenty / Rotorua

Depart Coromandel in an ever-changing panorama of forests, mountains, beaches, and islands, and enter the Bay of Plenty, home to plantations of kiwi fruit, citrus, avocados, flowers, and deer farms. You will see the “mural town” of Katikati, with its open-air art on the area’s history, and visit a private working orchard growing kiwi fruit, avocados, and export flowers. After a delightful lunch, pass the lakes to Rotorua, a city built in the crater of a huge volcano. Your guide will give you an overview of this fascinating region before arriving at your hotel for the night.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Lodging

Local hotel or bed & breakfast

DDay 4Rotorua / Christchurch

Your morning is free to explore Rotorua before flying south to Christchurch, the “Garden City.” After you are transferred to your hotel or bed & breakfast, sit back and enjoy the ambiance of this very “English” city. Founded by English settlers in 1850, Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter in 1856, which makes it the oldest officially established city in New Zealand. It is sometimes said to be “more English than England.”

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Local hotel or bed & breakfast

EDay 5Christchurch

Today is a day to explore on your own. The peace, the open spaces, the lush colors and rich textures of a city, where a leisurely pace still prevails, never fail to capture the imagination.

Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts. Officially known as the “Garden City,” Christchurch has over 3,000 hectares of parklands, which include Hagley Park and the famous Botanical Gardens. Located next to these gardens is the Christchurch Arts Centre, which is the hub of Christchurch art and the headquarters of many arts, craft, and recreation associations and groups.

Christchurch is perfect for exploring on foot because it is attractive, fascinating, and flat! The central city is a particularly dynamic place, offering numerous opportunities to shop, sightsee, and socialize. And it’s surprisingly easy to get about. You can hop aboard one of the beautifully restored vintage trams, hire a bicycle, enjoy a punt on the Avon River, or simply stroll about on foot. The great variety of cafes and bars offer an excellent street-side vantage point from which to enjoy a glass or two of local wine, freshly brewed coffee, or an amazing array of international cuisine. There are also many fine restaurants to experience, perhaps as a prelude to a night’s entertainment at the theatre, cinema, nightclub, or the casino.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Local hotel or bed & breakfast

FDay 6Canterbury Plains / Arthur's Pass

Today, your guide will take you through Christchurch and on to the Port Hills, the flanks of one of the ancient extinct volcanoes that form the Banks Peninsula. From the hills, there are spectacular views of the city, and the Kaikoura Range can be seen far to the north, while the Pacific Ocean sparkles to the east. To the south and west, the vast Canterbury Plains stretch to the horizon, and in the distance, the Southern Alps beckon you to discover them.

Leave the city and start your journey west across the Canterbury Plains. Crossing Porter’s Pass, a dramatic landscape change occurs as you enter the high country, a tussock grass basin bounded by the Torlesse Mountains to the east and the Craigieburn Mountains to the west. Traveling through the Arthur’s Pass region, pass glacial-formed lakes, the limestone formations of Castle Hill that dominate the landscape, and the wide expanse of the Waimakariri River.

Meals

Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge

GDay 7Arthur's Pass

This is a day to discover the real high country, a day where you can explore and learn about the alpine landscape, the plants and the animals, and take in the spectacular Southern Alps. A tour of the high country sheep farm that is part of the lodge will enable you to visit the woolshed, see a sheepdog demonstration, and help with the day-to-day activities. Walking, canoeing and mountain bike riding are available, or perhaps you would rather just relax in the lounge and gaze at the surrounding peaks.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge

HDay 8Arthur's Pass / Hokitika / Fox Glacier

After breakfast, travel through the Arthur’s Pass National Park and depart Canterbury province for Westland (“The West Coast”). Originally used by the Maori to move greenstone from the west coast, and later as a link to the gold rush fields, this route reveals great mountain valleys. The road is a geographer’s dream, making its way down the spectacular Otira Gorge.

Follow rivers that flow to the West Coast and observe the changes to the rainforest, including the many varieties of ferns that contribute to their character. Travel on a backcountry road, walk through old gold miners’ tunnels and be amazed at the tenacity of the miners in their quest for gold.

Visit Hokitika, once the capital of Westland, a roaring gold mining town and also a place where the Maori sought their treasured greenstone (jade). Greenstone is a feature in the town’s bustling center of art and craft shops. As you journey south to visit the Bushman’s Centre, where you can meet some “coasters” in a village with a population of two! Heading farther south, see the West Coast bush and further evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets. Later, arrive at Fox Glacier, a truly amazing natural wonder!

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea

Lodging

Franz Josef or Fox Glacier Lodge

IDay 9Fox Glacier / Lake Moeraki

Today you will explore the glaciated landscape of the Fox Glacier region. Choose between a guided walk to the terminal face of the Fox Glacier, to a glacier viewpoint to witness the glacier’s descent down the mountain into the rainforest, or a hike onto the actual glacier.

Alternatively, hop on a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the Southern Alps, with a snow landing on the upper reaches of the glacier. (Please note that the optional glacial hike and helicopter trips are not included in the tour cost and are subject to the weather).

After lunch, take a beautiful and tranquil walk around the edge of Lake Matheson, where incredible reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman can often be seen on the lake. Or, enjoy a drive through the lush rainforest to a remote beach on the Tasman Sea for views of the Alps. Here, you can also look for the rare Hectors dolphins.

From Fox Glacier, travel south to the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge, an area of pristine rainforest and spectacular coastline, set in the heart of Te Wahi Pounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. This lodge is a Tourism Award Winner and provides a first-class wilderness experience.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge

JDay 10Lake Moeraki

Few places in the world can match the unique natural setting of Lake Moeraki. Today, you’ll explore this nature lover’s paradise, with untouched lowland rainforests spread between pristine lakes and rivers that drain the snow-capped Southern Alps. This special place is home to breeding colonies of the rare Fiordland Crested penguin (seasonal), the Hectors dolphins, and numerous native birds.

Visits can be made to wild and remote beaches, and activities include guided walks to get close to the wildlife, to learn about the forest, and to experience amazing scenery. Or, if you prefer, take a canoe or kayak out on the tranquil lake or just relax in the lodge.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Lodging

Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge

KDay 11Ship Creek / Wanaka / Arrowtown

Say goodbye to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge and head out for Wanaka and Arrowtown. Along the way enjoy stops at Ship Creek (where there is a good chance of seeing the rare Hectors dolphin playing beyond the surf), a swamp forest with ancient “dinosaur” trees, a coastal lagoon, and a remote beach where you can search for greenstone.

Continue east, following the Haast Highway, and observe how the landscape again changes dramatically as the road climbs over the Haast Pass from the dense rainforest of the west coast to the drier tussock lands of Otago. On the way, there are short walks to see waterfalls, and if there has been recent rainfall, the Haast River passing through the gorge (known as the Gates of Haast) can be truly spectacular.

Shortly after the Haast Pass, the road skirts along the banks of the headwaters of Lake Wanaka makes a slight turn and rises over a ridge, and voila—Lake Hawea is before you. The road follows the shoreline of this lake until you reach Wanaka, a quiet mountain resort on the shores of Lake Wanaka. From here, head over the rugged and remote Crown Range, the site of gold diggings in the 1860s. Arrive in Arrowtown and visit the old Chinese gold miners’ settlement. It is then a short drive to your Queenstown accommodation.

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea

Lodging

Millbrook Country Resort (or similar)

LDay 12Queenstown

Today is a free day to experience some of the many activities that Queenstown has to offer. Your guide will be available to advise and assist with transfers to the venues and activities of your choice. Options include:

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the old steamship Earnslaw, the lady of the lake.

Try an exhilarating jetboat trip through the Shotover Canyon.

Bungee jump at the Kawarau Bridge, the first bungee jumping site in the world.

Visit wineries and arts and crafts studios trail around the district.

Take a ride up the gondola, with spectacular views of the mountains known as the Remarkables.

Climb up Queenstown Hill for wonderful views of the city.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around a remote and beautiful glacial lake.

Or take in some golf, shopping, or even horseback riding.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Millbrook Country Resort (or similar)

MDay 13Milford Sound Excursion

The road to Milford Sound through the Fjordland National Park is absolutely breathtaking with its sheer U-shaped glaciated valleys, waterfalls, and lush, temperate rainforests. The Homer Tunnel, entry to the Cleddau Valley and Milford Sound, is a tribute to the engineers’ skills in the 1930s.

Explore the fjord on a cruise before heading back to Queenstown. Catch a glimpse of the extremely rare Takahe, a flightless bird, at a sanctuary in Te Anau, and take a short walk to see waterfalls, alpine views, and lakes. Optional activities include a return to Queenstown by scenic flight or perhaps a private helicopter charter, which can include a snow landing in the mountains (not included in tour cost).

Meals

Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea

Lodging

Millbrook Country Resort (or similar)

NDay 14Onward or Extension

After breakfast, you will have time for some last-minute shopping or to experience that final adventure before you bid farewell to New Zealand. Not ready to go home? Consider an extension to see other parts of New Zealand, or a visit to Sydney, Australia.

Need to Know

Rates Per Person - 2019

Land Cost

$9,195

Single Supplement

+ $2,295

Need to Know

PLEASE NOTE: Prices may fluctuate based on the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the New Zealand Dollar.

Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.

Expenses covered

Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses not covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

Payment and Deposit Schedule​

Please note: Prices on this trip may fluctuate based on the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the New Zealand Dollar. Deposit schedule: $500 per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $1,000 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

Airfare

We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Itinerary Change Fee

There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

Duration 14 Days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.

Group Size 4 - 6

The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.

Comfort Level

Deluxe

Icon/Info CopyCreated with Sketch.

Deluxe wilderness lodges

Activity Level

Active

Icon/Info CopyCreated with Sketch.

Mild hiking and walking, with options for more vigorous activities.

Why Journeys International

Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.

We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.

We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.

We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.

Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?

Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world

Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades

Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is

We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)

We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)

We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU

Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities

Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip

Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages

We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.

24-hour emergency phone support while traveling

We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously

Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too